May 22nd Acts 8:9-25

The notes this week have been provided by Andy Hallett. The passage can be read here.

Simon the Sorcerer practiced sorcery, he boasted that he was someone great, he took the Samaritans appraisal of himself as being the Great Power of God. He had opportunity to repent but did not take it.

God hates sorcery;

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, (Deuteronomy 18:10).

Today we may not practice sorcery but there are more subtle evil practices that may entangle us. The bible is very clear we are not to be involved in any way with occult practices or have anything to do with them.

Simon boasted that he was great. Christians are not to boast except in the Lord. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’ (1 Corinthians 1:31) Jesus taught his followers to be humble;

“Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up” (James 4:10)

Simon’s life was a mess and his shallow Christian experience was found out for what it was by Peter and John. Simon had responded to Philips preaching, been baptised, but as soon as he saw a money making opportunity he was willing to turn back to his old evil ways. He thought that he could buy God’s Holy Spirit and use him to make money. Simon was warned of the consequences of his actions, he showed fear but no repentance.

Simon was there for the ‘wow’ but not for the work. He happily followed Philip wherever he went as long as he could see the miracles but when he was challenged about the condition of his relationship with God (his heart) he didn’t want to know.

God’s Holy Spirit is received when we become Christians, but we are to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:13) and when we are it will show. For the Ephesians it meant that they would speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.

Reflections

How is my heart? Do I have a close relationship with the Lord Jesus? Does it show? When God challenges me through his word do I just fear or will I repent?

God longs to fill me with his Holy Spirit, will I let him?

“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:10-14)